Category Archive

Facebook

The One Where You Don’t Need a Golden Ticket

So, since the release of Finding It, I’ve heard much lamenting about the super special “Golden Ticket” versions of Finding It. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, give this a read.

I’ve heard epic tales of people searching as many as EIGHT Target stores trying to find those rare copies that would earn them a chance to have their name (or a name of their choice) in one of my future books. So far, I’ve only heard of one special copy that’s been found. I have been so impressed and flattered by everyone’s mad searching. And after talking to my editor and publicists, we decided to do something a little special. A wildcard “Golden Ticket” if you will.

We wanted to give everyone a shot to win their name in a book, not just those who live near a Target Store. We wanted to open this up to people who’ve bought the book from other stores, or were unable to find a golden ticket copy, or who maybe live outside the US.

So, if you’re interested in having your name in one of my books, this contest is for you! 

(That’s me in Prague being a nerd on a playground. A playground that might sound familiar if you’ve read Chapter 14). 
Okay, here’s the deal:
Step One: Buy a copy of the book. This can be a print copy or an e-book copy on your e-reader (though a print copy will be more conducive to this task). 
Step Two: Take a picture of the book (or your e-reader with the book cover showing) in some place weird, wacky, or wonderful. It can be someplace you think Kelsey and Jackson should visit someday. Or it can just be someplace silly that will make people laugh. GET CREATIVE. 
Step Three: Send me your picture in an email to findingfindingit(at)gmail(dot)com with a short description that includes the location and an explanation of the picture and why you chose to “find it” there. NOTE: You MUST send me your picture by 12PM EDT on TUESDAY, OCT 22ND. So, don’t delay! Get those pictures in fast. There is a limit of TWO pictures per person. If you send in more than two, the first two sent will be used and the rest deleted. 
Step Four: On Wednesday, October 23rd, I will post all of the submitted photos in an album on my facebook fanpage. Whichever photo has the most likes on Sunday October 27th at 11:59 EDT, will be the winner! Whoever submitted the winning photo will have a character named after them in a future book. AND… you’ll get a twenty minute Skype visit with me to ask me whatever questions you want. It will also give me a chance to get to know you, so I can get inspired for your character. 😉
That’s it! Take a picture. Email it. Spread the word to gain likes. 
Here are some things to keep in mind: 
  • The photos most likely to get the most likes will be the most unique and creative ones in the bunch. So, think outside the box. 
  • We’ll be posting your photo description along with the photo, so it doesn’t hurt to get creative with that, too. 
  • You’re welcome to be in the photo if you want, but you certainly don’t have to. 
  • Any photos submitted after 12PM EDT on Tuesday WILL NOT be accepted. No matter how awesome they are. 
  • The photos will be posted all at the same time on my page, so they’ll all get the same amount of time and start on equal footing. 
  • Any edition of Finding It (print or ebook) is eligible to win. 
I’m looking forward to see what cool pictures you guys come up with! 

The One with Max in an Angel Costume

So… sometimes you’re editing something and your brain just kind of gives out on you.

So, I decided to do something different. Just to take a quick break and have some fun, I decided to start something I’ve been thinking about doing FOREVER.
I call it… FLASH FICTION FRIDAY.
Here’s the gist of it. Every Friday, I’m going to make a post on my Facebook page calling for writing prompts. You can pick any character from my books– main characters like Garrick or Cade or minor characters like Rusty and Spencer. Comment on my post with that character’s name and then a place or object for a prompt. Heck, you can even post things like songs or pictures. Anything you’d like to see me write.
Then, I’ll pick one and write just a fast and fun little snippet to post here on my blog.
So, I posted my first call for prompts an hour or so ago, and though there were some awesome suggestions (like Bliss in a Sex Shop), I decided to go with the very first comment.
PROMPT: Max (from FAKING IT) outside a church in strange clothes.
What can I say? I like a challenge.
So, without further ado, here’s my Flash Fiction Friday entry NUMERO UNO!
WARNING: POSSIBLE SPOILERS FOR FAKING IT.
WARNING PART TWO: This is unedited. Like… I wrote it in fifteen minutes. So, if there are errors, don’t judge me.
WARNING PART THREE: This is NOT an excerpt from any upcoming book. This is just for fun. If I ever decide to write about Max and Cade again, I promise I’ll tell you all.
“Stop staring at me.” I pulled at the polyester costume, already uncomfortable.
Cade didn’t even blink. “I’m sorry. I just can’t stop.”
Between gigs on stage, years spent dressing up for my parents, and nights spent dancing at Trestle, I didn’t think there was an outfit in the world that I couldn’t handle. Then again, I hadn’t ever really thought I’d be standing outside a massive Baptist church in Fort Worth, Texas decked out in an angel costume.
“I’m still not quite sure how your Grandma convinced me to be in this play thing.”
Cade touched the tip of one of my glitter-vomit wings and shrugged. “She’s persuasive.”
“I know, right? I mean, you think she’s this sweet little old lady, and then bam! She just gets you out of nowhere. I’m kinda worried I’m gonna wake up tomorrow without my kidney.”
He leaned in and placed a kiss on my cheek. “Yes. That’s my Grams. The black market organ dealer.”
His kiss settled me a little bit, but not enough.
“Why couldn’t you be the angel? I don’t even go to church here. Is this what happens to every girl you bring home to visit?”
“One, the angel dress looks much better on you than it would on me.” His hand smoothed across my waist around to the small of my back. “And two, it’s just you. You’re the only girl I’ve ever brought home.” 
His other hand touched my cheek, feather soft and sweet.
“I guess it’s only fair. When I brought you home, you were subjected to a complete family fallout. I suppose I can handle being an angel for twenty minutes.”
He titled my chin up and kissed me slowly.
I forgot about the itchy polyester and the wings that were shedding glitter all over the place. Cade was good about that… making me forget everything else but him.
He leaned his forehead against mine and smiled. “I promise to make it up to you with a few less than angelic moments later tonight.”
“Damn right, you will.”
He laughed, and his Grandma appeared then at the back door to the church, waving a hand at me that said it was almost time.
Time for my acting debut.
Halo, wings, tattoos, and all. 

Well, there you have it! A little peek at Cade and Max after the events of FAKING IT. So, I’ll be doing this every Friday. So start brainstorming prompts for what you’d like to see me write! They can be ridiculous or serious. And make sure you’re following me on Facebook, so you don’t miss out!

P.S. I’m going to have HUGE announcement early next week! Get excited!

P.P.S. Starting Tuesday, we’ll be expanding the FINDING IT preview on Facebook by one chapter every week until the book releases! You can already read the first forty or so pages here!

P.P.P.S. FINDING IT releases in less than a month! Oct. 15th!  And the paperback version of KEEPING HER releases October 1st! You can pre-order it now from Amazon or B&N for less than $4. Not bad, right? It likely will be difficult to find in stores since it’s just a novella, so I highly suggest pre-ordering if you want one!

Okay. I think that’s it. Probably.

See you next Friday for some more Flash Fiction!